PNG women demand tougher action against firearms-related crime

Women in Papua New Guinea are demanding tougher action over firearms-related crime which they say is destroying their communities and turning wives into widows.

About 50 women demonstrated outside a national guns summit in the Eastern Highlands capital of Goroka, then presented a petition to PNG's Internal Security Minister Bire Kimisopa demanding immediate government action on gun-related violence.

The women say guns are being brought into communities by politicians and businessmen to arm gangs to promote their own interests and it is the women and children who suffer the consequences of the resulting violence.